RSPO2 defines a distinct undifferentiated progenitor in the tendon/ligament and suppresses ectopic ossification.

ABSTRACT: Ectopic endochondral ossification in the tendon/ligament is caused by repetitive mechanical overload or inflammation. Tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) contribute to tissue repair, and some express lubricin [proteoglycan 4 (PRG4)]. However, the mechanisms of ectopic ossification and association of TSPCs are not yet known. Here, we investigated the characteristics of Prg4-positive (⁺) cells and identified that R-spondin 2 (RSPO2), a WNT activator, is specifically expressed in a distinct Prg4⁺ TSPC cluster. The Rspo2⁺ cluster was characterized as mostly undifferentiated, and RSPO2 overexpression suppressed ectopic ossification in a mouse Achilles tendon puncture model via chondrogenic differentiation suppression. RSPO2 expression level

SUBMITTER: Tachibana N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9390986 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature